RMIS NEWS

Foot and Mouth Disease is a state-controlled disease and a serious animal health threat facing South Africa. This highly contagious viral illness affects cattle, sheep, and goats, disrupting farming and trade. Effective prevention and control are essential to protect livestock, safeguard farmers’ livelihoods, and strengthen the red meat industry.

What is Foot and Mouth Disease in Animals?

Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral illness that affects cloven-hoofed animals. It remains one of the most serious threats to livestock health in South Africa and worldwide. Key details include:

Animals Affected

• Cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, and some wild game species.
• Young animals (calves, lambs) are particularly vulnerable to high mortality.

Cause & Transmission

• Caused by an Aphthovirus that spreads quickly between herds.
• Transmission occurs through direct animal contact, contaminated feed, water, or farm equipment.

Symptoms

• Fever and reduced appetite.
• Painful blisters on the mouth, tongue, hooves, and teats.
• Lameness, weight loss, and a sharp decline in milk production.

Human Impact

• Foot and mouth disease does not infect humans, but it severely disrupts trade and farming operations.
• Outbreaks often lead to animal movement restrictions, trade bans, or culling.

By understanding these basics, farmers and stakeholders can prioritise early detection, vaccination, and strong biosecurity to protect animal health and safeguard livelihoods.

Stay updated with foot and mouth disease: Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) Updates

How Foot and Mouth Disease Affects Animals

Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) has a direct and severe impact on livestock health, welfare, and productivity. Once animals are infected, the consequences can be long-lasting and economically damaging. Key effects include:

1. Reduced Productivity
   • Milk production drops sharply in dairy cows due to fever and mouth lesions.
   • Weight gain in beef cattle slows, reducing overall growth and market readiness.
     
2. Animal Welfare Issues
   • Painful blisters on the mouth, tongue, and hooves make eating and walking difficult.
   • Lameness often results, limiting mobility and increasing vulnerability to secondary infections.
   • Mastitis in dairy cows, which results in culling.
     
3. Impact on Young Animals
   • Calves, lambs, and piglets are especially at risk, with higher mortality rates.
   • Growth and development are stunted, reducing future productivity.
     
4. Long-Term Health Effects
   • Even after recovery, animals may suffer reduced fertility and ongoing weakness.
   • Herd performance declines, requiring additional resources for recovery.
     
5. Indirect Consequences
   • Farmers may be forced to cull infected animals to stop further spread.
   • Loss of valuable breeding stock disrupts herd development for years.

Overall, foot and mouth disease undermines both the health of animals and the economic security of farmers, making prevention and early control measures absolutely vital.

Read the latest foot and mouth disease update: Steps to apply for an animal movement permit within the DMA

Economic and Industry Implications

Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) does not only harm animal health; it also places enormous strain on the broader livestock industry and national economy. The main implications include:

Farmer Losses

• Reduced milk yields, lower weight gain, and animal deaths cut into profits.
• Culling of infected herds leads to immediate financial setbacks and loss of valuable breeding stock.

Trade Restrictions

• Outbreaks often trigger export bans on red meat and live animals.
• Loss of international market access undermines competitiveness and revenue.

Market Instability

• Domestic prices fluctuate as supply is disrupted.
• Consumers may shift buying behaviour due to safety concerns.

Value Chain Disruptions

• Abattoirs, feedlots, and transporters experience delays and reduced throughput.
• Rural communities relying on livestock income face economic hardship.

National Economic Impact

• Agriculture’s contribution to GDP weakens during prolonged outbreaks.
• Emergency disease control measures increase government and industry costs.

Ultimately, foot and mouth disease threatens both livelihoods and food security, highlighting why strict control and rapid response are essential for protecting the red meat industry.

Take a look at this interactive map of reported Foot-and-Mouth Disease cases

How Foot and Mouth Disease Spreads Among Animals

Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is highly contagious, and its rapid spread makes it one of the most difficult livestock diseases to control. Transmission occurs through several pathways:

1. Direct Animal Contact
   • Sick animals spread the virus through saliva, milk, breath, and secretions.
   • Herds grazing or drinking water together are at high risk.
     
2. Contaminated Surfaces
   • Farm equipment, feeding troughs, and water sources can carry the virus.
   • Transport Vehicles and tools that move between farms often act as carriers.
     
3. Human Movement
   • Clothing, shoes, and hands of farmworkers or visitors can transport the virus unknowingly.
   • Lack of biosecurity measures increases the risk of accidental spread.
     
4. Animal Movement & Trade
   • Moving infected animals across regions or borders rapidly spreads the disease.
   • Informal or uncontrolled markets increase exposure.
     
5. Environmental Persistence
   • The virus can survive for weeks in soil, hay, and manure under cool conditions.

Because foot and mouth disease spreads so easily, strict quarantine, movement control, and hygiene practices are essential to stop outbreaks from escalating.

Stay updated with the latest animal disease reports and insights here.

Prevention and Control Measures

Controlling Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) requires a combination of strong biosecurity, rapid response, and long-term prevention strategies. Key measures include:

Quarantine & Movement Control

• Infected farms are isolated to stop further spread.
• Animal movement is restricted within Disease Management Areas.

Vaccination

• Strategic vaccination campaigns in high-risk zones reduce outbreaks.
• Regular booster doses help maintain herd immunity.

On-Farm Biosecurity

• Farmers must disinfect equipment, vehicles, and footwear.
• Limiting visitors and controlling herd contact reduces exposure.

Traceability Systems

• Digital platforms track animal movements and incidents in real time.
• Quick reporting ensures faster containment during outbreaks.

Government & Industry Collaboration

• Joint efforts provide resources for surveillance, testing, and farmer support.
• Coordinated communication ensures stakeholders act swiftly and consistently.

Through consistent application of these measures, the livestock sector can significantly reduce the risk of foot and mouth disease outbreaks and protect both animal health and farmer livelihoods.

Register your production unit now: RMIS Traceability Platform

Conclusion

Foot and Mouth Disease remains one of the greatest threats to livestock health and farming in South Africa. By strengthening prevention, investing in biosecurity, and supporting coordinated responses, the industry can reduce outbreaks. Protecting animals against foot and mouth disease is essential for safeguarding farmers, trade, and national food security.

Join RMIS in the fight against Foot and Mouth Disease by staying informed, implementing strong prevention measures, and supporting industry-wide initiatives. Together, we can protect livestock and strengthen South Africa’s red meat sector. For more details or support, feel free to contact us today.

Steps Apply for a permit

Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS) has appointed Commandant Jan J. Nel as a Biosecurity Marshal—an independent role authorised under the Animal Diseases Act, 1984 (Act 35 of 1984) by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD).
Animal disease outbreaks, such as Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), pose a significant threat to the South African livestock industry. In response, RMIS and the Directorate: Animal Health, is taking proactive steps to enhance disease monitoring, enforce compliance, and strengthen biosecurity protocols across the industry. The appointment of Commandant Nel is a vital step in reinforcing biosecurity measures and safeguarding South Africa’s livestock industry against controlled animal diseases.
As part of RMIS’s 2025 strategic initiatives, the newly appointed Biosecurity Marshal will:

• Investigate epidemiologically linked locations, animals, and businesses suspected of disease involvement.
• Monitor compliance with biosecurity measures at farms, auctions, transport points, abattoirs, and roadblocks.
• Enforce movement restrictions of cloven-hoofed animals and conduct inspections.
• Collect data and compile reports on disease control infractions, working closely with the
• National Prosecuting Authority on legal actions where necessary.
• Liaise with state veterinarians and industry stakeholders to ensure disease control effectiveness.

This initiative aligns with RMIS’s 2025 Project Portfolio, aimed at enhancing traceability, market access, and disease prevention within South Africa’s red meat sector. By deploying biosecurity marshals, RMIS is reinforcing the industry’s resilience, improving trade confidence, and ensuring livestock health and welfare.
“After 37 years of dedicated service in government agriculture, particularly in veterinary services and law enforcement, I am proud to continue my commitment to South Africa’s livestock producers through RMIS,” said Commandant Jan J. Nel. “Strengthening biosecurity and enforcing compliance and traceability at all levels of the value chain is critical to protecting our industry.”
“Our focus remains on building a sustainable and globally competitive red meat industry,” said Dewald Olivier, CEO of RMIS. “The introduction of Biosecurity Marshals will strengthen our disease response framework, ensuring that South African red meat producers operate in a safe and compliant environment.”

Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS) has announced its ambitious 2025 Project Portfolio, a comprehensive plan aimed at advancing innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth within South Africa’s red meat industry. Following a successful first full year of operations in 2024, RMIS is set to build on its achievements with ten strategic initiatives, backed by a R50 million budget, aligned with the Red Meat Industry Vision 2030.

Key Achievements in 2024: Laying a Strong Foundation

RMIS made significant strides in 2024, delivering high-impact projects across the red meat value chain:

• Traceability Platform Launch: Phase 1 successfully introduced unique, internationally recognized production unit numbers, enhancing industry transparency

• Interactive Dashboards: RMIS deployed statistical dashboards to track national disease occurrences, slaughter data, and market trends in collaboration with over 200 veterinarians.

• Mobile Processing Units (MPUs): Piloted in communal and emerging farming areas, these units processed over 2,000 cattle, improving market access for small-scale farmers.

• MeatMENTOR Program: A 12-module enterprise development initiative supporting technical and business skills within the industry.

• Capacity Building: Over 500 industry professionals trained, 3,400+ farmers engaged, and 5,000+ webinar views recorded.

• Consumer Education: Initiatives such as Beef & Lamb SA, YouTube Shorts, and social media campaigns helped promote red meat’s nutritional benefits.

• Grade 12 Agricultural Educator E-Learning Platform: A pioneering digital resource to equip teachers with the tools to effectively teach livestock studies.

RMIS 2025 Project Portfolio: Strengthening South Africa’s Red Meat Industry

Aligned with RMIS’s mission to advance the primary red meat industry, the 2025 portfolio includes a mix of ongoing and newly emphasised initiatives thatleverages technology and strategic partnerships to overcome critical challenges and unlock new opportunities. 

1) Data sharing and communication platform (Traceability)	R 6 000 000	12%
The continuation of Phase 1 of the industry-driven Traceability Platform which was launched on 1 November 2024. It focuses on identifying production units within the value chain, including farms, communal lands, auction houses, feedlots, abattoirs, and processing facilities and linking a certified global number that is unique to the location. The next phases will focus on developing the traceability data platform and integrating independent recordkeeping systems to enable seamless data sharing. Key elements such as minimum traceability data requirements, data sharing standards, tag accreditation, and a unified numbering system will be established to ensure compliance. The traceability platform is designed to address critical issues, including disease management and stock theft prevention, while enhancing trade opportunities through improved data transparency and expanding market access to both the commercial value chain and export markets.
2) Inclusive Growth	R 10 000 000	20%
Mobile Processing Units & Training: Supporting farmers with essential livestock management practices directly on their farms, diptanks or in communal areas. These state-of-the-art units are fully equipped with a body crush, neck clamp, electronic scale and a variety of animal handling tools to facilitate tagging, branding, dehorning, and vaccinations efficiently and humanely. Operated by a qualified production specialist who will also facilitate comprehensive training based on gaps identified. The focus for 2025 will be on the practical implementation of the mobile units to ensure that animals are vaccinated, treated and tagged to enhance productivity, profitability, and market access through traceability.   Land Development Support Programme (Self-funded)RMIS has been appointed as the implementing body for the LDS programme on behalf of DALRRD, overseeing a five-year initiative in all nine provinces. The programme aims to commercialise small-scale farmers through enterprise development, practical implementation and mentorship. Since the launch of the LDS program, RMIS has evaluated 45 farms and submitted comprehensive business plans for each. Out of these, 16 have been approved, with 9 already in the implementation phase. The current project value stands at R350 million.
3) Industry Animal Health Recording System	R 800 000	1%
In 2024, a statistical dashboard was developed and integrated into the RMIS website to share veterinary data on national disease occurrences, in collaboration with Veterinarian Network, providing a comprehensive view of animal health trends across the country. The continuation of this project in 2025 focuses on maintaining data collection processes, improving data accuracy, and enhancing analysis and communication. These advancements aim to empower producers and veterinarians with actionable insights, enabling proactive treatment strategies to mitigate the impact of diseases effectively.
4) Industry Meat Safety	R 6 600 000	13%
The Red Meat Industry Animal Public Health (RMI APH) services will continue to ensure meat safety and training in abattoirs. Meat classification and safety audits will also continue to uphold processes to deliver quality and safe meat. Furthermore, new software development and the creation of Standard Operating Procedures are underway to digitise the collection of meat safety and residue data. These advancements aim to enhance efficiency in tracing non-conformances and addressing meat safety issues.
5) Certified South African Red Meat	R 1 000 000	2%
This project focuses on enhancing quality assurance across the entire value chain while ensuring compliance with international standards and regulations. A key initiative is the international benchmarking of industry standards through ISO accreditation for various regulations within the value chain. Additionally, the project aims to integrate certifications for farms, feedlots, and abattoirs into a unified certification stamp. This consolidated stamp will provide consumers with assurance of traceability, biosecurity, animal welfare, and meat safety, reinforcing confidence in South African red meat products.
6) Stock Theft	R 2 000 000	4%
This project focuses on establishing an industry digital stock theft reporting strategy to streamline the reporting and tracking of incidents. A key objective is to collect, share, and display relevant data, enabling stakeholders to make informed, data-driven decisions. Additionally, it aims to identify and prioritise effective interventions to prevent stock theft, safeguarding livestock and supporting the livelihoods of producers within the red meat value chain.
7) Producer/Production Development through communication	R 5 500 000	11%
A significant communication gap within the red meat industry has been identified, prompting an increase in the project’s focus and budget allocation. This undertaking aims to enhance communication around industry initiatives while fostering production development through targeted support. It seeks to empower producers by providing the knowledge, resources, and communication channels needed to drive sustainable growth and innovation throughout the red meat industry. Exciting initiatives for 2025 include the launch of a podcast series, interactive data accessibility, digital national disease alerts integrated with WhatsApp, and the rollout of the industry digitisation roadmap.
8) Consumer Education	R2 500 000	5%
Beef and Lamb SA: This initiative aims to promote red meat consumption by engaging directly with consumers through strategic collaborations with social media influencers. By sharing scientific insights and intriguing facts, the project seeks to educate the public about the nutritional benefits, sustainability, and versatility of red meat, fostering informed consumption choices and strengthening consumer confidence in the industry. An additional focus area for 2025 will include addressing the skills gaps of butcheries and blockmen and to promote product development.   Agricultural Educators E-Learning program: In collaboration with the Department of Education, this initiative is designed to support secondary school agricultural teachers with an e-learning platform tailored specifically to the livestock component of their curriculum. The platform offers valuable resources to aid in lesson preparation and ongoing professional development. Following the successful establishment of the platform in 2024, the 2025 phase focuses on its implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement. By ensuring educators have access to high-quality, practical tools, this program aims to enhance their classes and play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of agricultural professionals.
9) Research & Development	R 9 000 000	18%
This initiative emphasises the implementation of a Functional Research Structure within the red meat industry. Recognising the vital role of research in maintaining industry competitiveness, RMIS is committed to ensuring that all research efforts deliver significant contributions to the industry’s advancement. By prioritising impactful and innovative studies, this project aims to prevent stagnation and drive continuous improvement across the red meat value chain. Current research includes beef grading and ESG framework and calculator for the red meat industry.
10) Biosecurity Marshals & RMI APH	R 7 000 000	14%
This initiative aims to strengthen biosecurity defences within the livestock industry by introducing the concept of biosecurity marshals. The 2025 focus will centre on developing and piloting this innovative approach, while fostering critical public-private partnerships (PPPs) to enhance its effectiveness. Additionally, a dedicated Red Meat Industry Animal Public Health (RMI APH) officer will be appointed to oversee all animal health initiatives, ensuring comprehensive management and coordination of industry-wide health efforts.

As RMIS accelerates into 2025, its focus remains on achieving the goals as set out in the Red Meat Industry Vision 2030. With a clear strategy and dedicated investment in these initiatives, RMIS can strengthen South Africa’s red meat value chain—empowering farmers, improving market access, and promoting the benefits of high-quality, nutritious red meat.

The Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS), in partnership with MyLife and Sagritex, has developed a comprehensive online support platform for Grade 12 Agricultural Sciences educators. This new resource is designed to refresh teachers’ subject knowledge, streamline lesson preparation, and enrich classrooms through blended learning materials aligned with the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS).

Developed by experienced South African educators, the programme places a particular emphasis on livestock studies while covering the entire Grade 12 Agricultural Sciences syllabus. It includes 234 video resources, exam-related questions and answers, fascinating facts, and a full annual overview.

To make these materials widely accessible, RMIS is sponsoring 600 licences nationwide. Educators can apply for a sponsored licence on a first-come, first-served basis, allocated proportionally across provinces according to the number of schools offering the subject.

The first call for applications was distributed by the Department of Basic Education via its official channels at the end of last year (both nationally and via provincial subject coordinators). Educators apply in their personal capacity, and the licences are awarded to individuals rather than schools. Any Agricultural Sciences Grade 12 educator is eligible to apply. As of 6 January, 40% of the available sponsored licences have already been issued.

Educator Feedback

Two educators who have already applied for and received a sponsored licence had this to say about the programme:

Stanley Tshwale, Tembisa CLC:

“I reviewed your Grade 12 Agricultural Sciences online project and found that it provides great resources for producing excellent results. It even includes economics lessons. I have learned a lot from your online teaching materials.”

Barbara Cronje, Hoёrskool Swartland:

“It is very complete. There are clear definitions and sketches included.”

How to Apply

1. Find and complete the online application form here: https://rmis.co.za/educator-resources/

2. Submit by Friday, 17 January, or before all sponsored licences are allocated.

3. Successful applicants will receive confirmation via email by 24 January or once allocations are finalised.

Dewald Olivier, RMIS CEO, commented: “We recognise the importance of equipping educators with relevant, high-quality resources. Our partnership with MyLife and Sagritexenables us to make a tangible difference at a grassroots level, which will ultimately benefit South African learners and the future of the agricultural sector.”